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Home My WebLink About1992 - MINUTES - 11/10/1992 CITY OF PALM SPRINGS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES NOVEMBER 10, 1992 An Adjourned Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Palm Springs, California, was called to order by Mayor Maryanov, in the Council Chamber, 3200 Tahquitz Canyon Way, on Tuesday, November 10, 1992, at 3 p.m., in the Large Conference Room, City Hall. ROLL CALL Present: Councilmembers Hodges, Lyons, Reller, Schlendorf, and Mayor Maryanov Absent: None REPORT OF POSTING OF AGENDA: Report of City Clerk: City Clerk reported that the agenda was posted in accordance with Council procedures on November 6, 1992 PUBLIC COMMENTS: (Note: The following persons spoke during the public comments portion of the study session agenda, however, the subject matter related to appointment of members to city commissions - Item 4): a) George Goldberg, Box 4156, Palm Springs, stated that it is claimed that the community is 21% Hispanic, and in his opinion, an equal percentage (060) of Jews, and questioned what percentage of either group is represented on the city commissions; and claimed that he applied for, but is overqualified to serve on the Planning Commission. b) Amalia De Aztlan, Indio, stated that 21% of the population is Hispanic, and the number of people appointed to the city commissions causes her to question the Council's sincerity; that she is interested in equal opportunity and equal representation, and that role models are needed in the Hispanic community; that the community faces many problems that are unique, and (060- without the Council's help, they will only continue; and that there are 015) many Hispanics who are very much involved, and would be very helpful to the City. Mayor noted that there were very few Hispanic applicants for the commissions. Ms. De Aztlan stated that the Council must reach out to those few who do apply, and make a concerted effort to appoint them. c) Tony Aguilar, 1975 Mark Leslie, stated that the Council represents all citizens at-large; that in a conversation with the Mayor, the Mayor informed him that his position was to not appoint real estate persons, especially not real estate person in Palm Springs, to local commission, yet his recent appointment of Michael Helm was contrary to that. He read (060- letter, a copy of which is on file with the City Clerk. 015) Mayor stated that his recommendations for appointments are based on qualifications of the individual to serve on the particular commission; that he did not appoint Mr. Helm as a realtor, rather he thought he was a builder, but regardless, it is not a real estate broker issue nor a question of appointing an Hispanic to the Planning Commission, rather whether Mr. Aguilar should be appointed to the Planning Commission; that local realtors can be very helpful in addressing the issues to revive downtown. Council Minutes 11-10-92 Page 2 Mr. Aguilar stated that he has not personalized the issue; that he applied for the Planning Commission as an Hispanic, not as a realtor, in order to have more Hispanics, and to serve as a role model; that he felt it was a singular issue, that he felt the Mayor was not listening to other members of the Council, and that he did not think his actions were consistent. Mayor noted that appointments are made by the Mayor, but subject to the confirmation by the Council. Councilmember Lyons noted that all of the Councilmembers make recommendations to the Mayor, which are taken into consideration; that not all persons recommended are appointed,but the appointments represent a general consensus of the Council; and that there have been many qualified applicants. d) Linda Cooper Lee pointed out that she applied for the Human Rights (060- Commission, noting that she is elderly, handicapped, and blind in one eye. 027) e) Ed Joseph stated that he shares some of the same concerns regarding appointments to commissions, which he felt points up a need for a formula to bring people together, which the new Human Rights Commission might (060- be able to do; that there needs to be some other forum beside the 3-minute 027) public comment portion, in which people can express their views; that community demographics are changing; and that the time is coming for the City to have some diversity formulas, and perhaps hold town hall types of meetings. Councilmember Hodges noted that several months ago she requested town hall type meetings to talk about what is happening the various communities, and asked that it be added to the study sessions topics as a very important matter. LEGISLATION ACTION: 1. COMPREHENSIVE HOUSING AFFORDABILITY STRATEGY Staff Recommendation: That the Council set hearing on annual review and update of the Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy required by the Department of Housing and Urban Development in order to receive federally funded program money, for 1992-93 entitlements, e.g., Community Development Block Grants. (08!5- Acting Director of Director of Economic Development reported that the 003) last report submitted was not adequate, and HUD has submitted a listing of matters to be corrected; that the public hearing notice requires availability of the report for 30 days prior to the hearing, and it will be available on November 16; and that findings must be made prior to December 31, 1992 to assure that CDBG funding; will continue. It was moved by Lyons, seconded by Reller, and unanimously carried, that hearing be set for December 16. Council Minutes 11-10-92 Page 3 2. VISTA CHINO RETENTION BASIN, STREET WIDENING, AND TRAFFIC SIGNAL PROJECTS - LAND ACQUISITION SETTLEMENT Staff Recommendation: That the Council approve settlement of Eminent Domain action for acquisition of land needed for the Vista Chino Retention Basin, the Vista Chino road widening, and the Vista Chino/Farrell traffic (136- signal projects, totalling 9.75 acres. 040) City Attorney reported that the 9.75 acres will be traded for 80 acres; that the value of the exchange, even though the number of acres varies is within the budget range established for the 9.75 acres; that the settlement is reasonable and will resolve the eminent domain issue. Resolution 17985, approving settlement as recommended, was presented; after which, it was moved by Schlendorf, seconded by Lyons, and unanimously carried, that R17985 be adopted. 3. A.D. 157 - RIGHT-OF-WAY LAND ACQUISITION Staff Recommendation: That the Council approve acquisition of A 10-ft. by 120-ft parcel adjacent to 3845 E. Ramon Road, to provide ultimate right-of-way on the South one-half of Ramon Road, from James H. Gerhardt, for $52,500, plus one-half of the closing tests; said property located generally between El Placer and Avenida Evelita. (056- Mayor reported that he has an interest in real property within 400 feet of 011) the subject property, and would abstain from discussion and voting. City Attorney reported that in negotiating the acquisition for the right-of- way, a large segment was needed, leaving problems regarding the parking for the units on the site, and in dealing with severance damages, the property owners indicated his interest in disposing of the entire parcel; that the Redevelopment Agency will acquire the remainder of the site for low/moderate housing; and that the final settlement for the right of way is $52,500. Resolution 17986 approving acquisition, as recommended, was presented; after which, it was moved by Schlendorf, seconded by Lyons, and unanimously carried, Maryanov abstaining, that R17986 be adopted. 4. PLANNING COMMISSION APPOINTMENT Mayor reported that efforts have been made to obtain Hispanic applicants; that he does not recommend appointments for that factor alone; that he tries to appoint persons he feels are qualified for the particular (060- commission. He moved for approval of appointing Diane Marantz, to fill 015) the unexpired term ending June 30, 1994; said motion was seconded by Lyons, and carried by the following vote: AYES: Lyons, Reller, Schlendorf and Maryanov NO: Hodges ABSENT: None Mayor stated that he would like to make appointments to the Human Rights Commission at the next regular meeting; and added that he felt, although the Commission will not have subpoena power, it has the right to challenge even the City Council, and would expect it to do so, if it felt the Council were acting in a discriminatory manner. Council Minutes 11-10-92 Page 4 ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Mayor declared the meeting adjourned. JUDITH SUMICH City Clerk